Gemotions

The air in the office felt thick, heavy, like a humid summer day. Across from her desk sat Claire, the woman who would be stepping into her role. The smiles Claire gave felt condescending, the constant stream of questions that kept coming from her felt like a personal attack.

“I’m sure you have a lot to teach me,” Claire said, her voice smooth and even. “Oh, I do,” Sarah said with a forced laugh. Inside, she felt a burning sensation, a tightness in her chest as she walked her through her daily routines. Sarah found herself taking longer lunch breaks.

Each day felt like an eternity. The joy she once found in her work was gone, replaced by a dull ache. She started to think about the years she had spent, all of her efforts, now she was just a stepping stone.